Step into Sacramento-area fairytale castle, most expensive listing in Davis
A castle with a pool, lake and observation turret on 8 pristine acres near Sacramento is back on the market for about $6.5 million.
The one-of-a-kind masterpiece is the most expensive residential listing in Davis, 15 miles west of the capital city.
Listing agent Kevin McDonald of Sotheby’s International Realty said the castle-style architecture is a distinctive selling point that stands out in the Davis area.
“You don’t see many castles around California,” he said.
The property, which was built by Davis inventor, engineer and entrepreneur Grayson Beck in 2004, includes a fabulous main residence that unfolds across 7,225 square feet of living space with four bedrooms and four bathrooms. In the grand family room, a 39-foot vaulted ceiling with gorgeous wood beams soars above a large fireplace and expansive windows.
Outside, a 25-by-40-foot infinity edge pool and 670-square-foot pool house overlook a picturesque, 1½-acre lake with a sandy beach. A wood walkway leads out to an oversized, heated gazebo extending over part of the lake. A classic bridge and waterfall await on the other side of the water. A walking path circles the entire reservoir.
“The things that I like about it are the unique style and all the recreational possibilities there, for either a vacation rental or a family who wants a compound out of the city that has fun features, such as a pond that you could paddle board or kayak on, plus an infinity edge pool, plus a game room and theater, all those little pluses, and you’re five minutes from downtown, and Highway 80 is easy to get to,” McDonald said.
Fairytale Airbnb home
The fairytale home operates as a “high-performing” rental on Airbnb and an event venue “with a full team for turnkey operations and immediate income,” according to the property listing.
The vacation-rental website says the property, with a top rating of 5.0, is “perfect for family reunions, corporate retreats, or group getaways, the estate offers endless activities and top-tier amenities.”
The Airbnb rental price is listed at $9,755 for two nights.
It’s the second time the property, 27681 Mace Blvd., has been on the market in the past two years.
Yuri Veber, a dentist and periodontist in the Bay Area who graduated from UC Davis with a bachelor’s degree, and his wife Mila purchased the home for $4 million in June 2023, according to public property records.
Since the previous ownership, Veber made the property “easier to maintain” and improved the overall condition of the property, McDonald said.
Immediate impression
An outdoor kitchen and covered terrace “set the stage for al fresco entertaining,” according to the property listing. “Castello di Macero is a destination, sanctuary, and proven business model, offering a rare opportunity to own a landmark estate that perfectly blends lifestyle, luxury, and financial upside.”
The estate makes an immediate and lasting impression. A long driveway winds up to a motor-court, three-car garage and the main house. There are 300 established trees and other plants on the grounds.
Inspired by his love for the work of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, especially the Fallingwater house, Beck built part of the home over a manmade stream that starts in the front yard, cascades down rocks and runs out to the lake. The sound of flowing water carries throughout the yard.
The most noticeable feature of the property is a tall turret — or observation tower — where July 4 fireworks shows can be watched from as far away as Sacramento. A handsome, custom-made steel-and-wood spiral staircase leads up to an upper-level game room at the midway point, and continues climbing up to a relaxing, round, sitting area with curtained windows, where the tower’s mesmerizing panoramic views are on full display.
The use of inviting curves throughout the interior design of the home, from the kitchen to the primary bathroom, allow the living spaces to flow naturally.
An 890-square-foot detached guest house next to the garage has one bedroom, one bathroom, a loft, living room and a full kitchen.
The property also comes with a 1,822-square-foot workshop with a loft and half bathroom, 9,000-pound lift and bay doors.
For storage of outdoor toys, ATVs, motorbikes and such, there is a 4,000-square-foot metal building with three garage doors and skylights.
This story was originally published May 19, 2025 at 11:42 AM.
CORRECTION: Grayson Beck built the castle at 27681 Mace Blvd. in Davis, California. His last name was incorrect in an earlier version of the story.